Punters and on-course bookmakers suffered a setback yesterday when it was revealed that the planned abolition of on-course betting tax, which was due to be introduced at Bellewstown today, has been put on hold.

The reason for the delay is The Horse & Greyhound Racing (Betting Charges and Levies) Bill 1999, which is the legislation giving effect to the reduction of the on-course levy from the current five per cent to zero, is still going through the houses of the Oireachtas.

The provisions of the Bill are now expected to come into effect next month, following the signature of the commencement order by Joe Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food, according to a statement issued by the Irish Horse Racing Authority yesterday. The off-course tax reduction from 10 per cent to five per cent starts today as planned. Meanwhile, Thomond O'Mara saddled the winner of the featured Kerry Spring Mineral Water Handicap at Cork last evening when light-weight Sea Leopard drew clear inside the final furlong under Wayne Lordan to land the spoils by three lengths.

"I was worried about the seven furlong trip but he did it well," said the Bansha trainer.

Tom Taaffe nominated Galway for Dazzling Guest after he shrugged off Triptodicks and Ruby Walsh to win the three-mile Low Low Handicap Chase.